SOLVED: Fix NAT Type Issues on XBox, PlayStation and Nintendo

How to Fix NAT Type Issues the Easy Way: No Router Setups or Command Consoles

Using your game console to play games online is one of the most popular ways to relax nowadays. Being faced to human opponents certainly beats playing against the computer.

Unfortunately, when it comes to being able to connect to the Internet on your console, things are not so simple. If you’re a student, you know this much too well – usually campus WiFi networks don’t allow connections from game consoles. Sometimes it’s the router or other networking equipment you’re using that’s causing the issue. It basically resumes down to network address translation (NAT) settings.

Read below to see how you can fix NAT type issues and be connected on your PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo or other game console using two simple apps.

What is NAT? How Does It Affect My Game Console Connectivity?

Network Address Translation (NAT) is a method used by routers to translate a public IP address (used on the Internet) into a private IP address (used on your home network) and vice versa. This is done for multiple purposes:

to add security to the network by keeping the private IP addresses hidden from the Internet.

to allow multiple devices to share a single IP address

In the world of gaming consoles, there are three NAT types that classify the connectivity they have to other players over the Internet:

Open NAT (Type 1) – all is permitted – your gaming device can connect to anyone’s games and host games. Plus – other users will be able to find and connect to the games you are hosting. This is usually the case when your console is connected directly to the Internet with no router or firewall.

Moderate NAT (Type 2) – your gaming console will be able to connect to other players, but some functions will be limited. When connecting to the Internet through a router that is configured properly, you’ll get this NAT type.

Strict NAT (Type 3) – your gaming device has limited connectivity with other players. Other players on a moderate or strict NAT will not be able to join your hosted games. This is the case when the router doesn’t have any open ports.

So, you’ll have the best gaming experience if you’re on an open NAT or at least a moderate NAT.

How to Fix NAT Issues with Connectify Hotspot and Speedify VPN

For the purpose of this article, we’ll assume that you’re connected through a router or firewall to the Internet, whether at home or through some public network.

Connectify Hotspot is the most popular software app for Windows PCs that allows you to turn your computer into avirtual routerandshare your Internet connectionwith other devices, such as gaming devices. But you need a connection that can bypass NAT restrictions. You get that through Speedify VPN.

By using both Connectify Hotspot and Speedify on your PC, you canconnect your gaming devices to the WiFi network created with Connectify Hotspot in order to fix NAT type issues.

Below is a video that illustrates how to share a VPN connection via WiFi with Connectify Hotspot:

Here’s how this setup helps you fix NAT issues:

it will forward to TCP and UDP ports necessary for online play on game consoles

they will automatically get NAT Type 2 (Moderate), which allows you to enjoy your gaming experience without any issues.

The simplest way to bypass any ISP restrictions regarding NAT is by using a fast bonding VPN such as Speedify. A VPN makes it impossible for the Internet service provider to see what your traffic is about and impose port restrictions. All VPN traffic goes through predefined ports that are open.

So, getting back to fixing NAT type restrictions, if you’re on a strict NAT type 3 network, here are the steps you should take:

Open Speedify and connect to a server (usually the closest will be best). If you have multiple Internet connections from different networks, you cancombine and use them at the same timewith Speedify to create a super-connection with increased bandwidth and lower lag.

Run Connectify Hotspot. Under WiFi Hotspot mode, give your hotspot a custom name and password, and select the “Speedify Virtual Adapter” from the Internet to Share drop-down menu. Then click “Start Hotspot”.

Connect your game console to the hotspot you configured using Connectify. All the traffic going through this WiFi hotspot will be NAT type 2 (Moderate).

Now that you’re all set – forget about NAT type issues and enjoy your online gaming with Connectify Hotspot! And Speedify, if that’s the case.